Chemical Engineers: The Chemistry Behind it All

By Angie Miller

Detail oriented? Persistent? Work well in a laboratory? Can solve complex problems?

Chemical engineering is a branch within the engineering field. The job growth for chemical engineers in the next 10 years is slow at a predicted 3-6% increase. The median salary of a chemical engineer in the United States is $92,930. From increasing the efficiency of production of chemicals and biochemical to designing and manufacturing equipment as well as testing and conducting research, chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve every day problems.

Work environment for chemical engineers is usually a 40-hour week at industrial plants, buildings, or laboratories. Generally, chemical engineers perform tests, continue research, and design or plan specific materials or processes to be more effect for the company.

Education is focused on classes with a variety in mathematics, science, and English with additional engineering courses. Undergraduate degrees typically last 4 to 5 years. Even though most entry-level chemical engineering jobs only require a bachelor’s degree, chemical engineers focused in research and high-level jobs combined with changing technology may require a graduate degree.

Personality skills that are important for chemical engineers include analytical, detail oriented, patient, and being able to communicate well both through writing and orally.

Similar careers to chemical engineers are nuclear engineers, soil and water conservationists, and geoscientists.


Source:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/chemical-engineer#keyfactsinformation

---